Juan Bernat and Neymar scored to put PSG in control in the first half in the French capital, but a James Milner penalty on the stroke of halftime ensured this pivotal game remained in the balance until the death.

But instead it is Liverpool – beaten in each of their last five games away from Anfield in the Champions League – who now seem the more likely to miss out on the last 16.

Napoli beat Red Star Belgrade 3-1 on Wednesday, and Liverpool have to win by two goals at home to the Italians in a fortnight if they are to progress.

Such a regression in Europe would be a big blow to Liverpool, even if it could conceivably help Klopp’s side in their fight with Manchester City for the Premier League title.

Meanwhile, PSG head to Belgrade for their last game still needing to win to be certain of advancing to the knockout phase for a seventh straight season, but at least they have their fate in their hands.

PSG had been desperate to get Neymar and Kylian Mbappe back fit for this game after both had picked up injuries on international duty last week.

Marco Verratti was running the game in midfield, although the Italian was fortunate not to be sent off for a dangerous tackle on Joe Gomez midway through the first half.

PSG survived that let-off and went on to double their lead thanks to a clearly wound up Neymar.

The world’s most expensive player had been drawing fouls from opponents and whipping up a fervent home crowd before he burst down the left in the 37th minute, combining with Mbappe.

The French World Cup winner crossed low for Cavani, whose attempt was saved by Alisson, but Neymar followed in to convert the rebound.

Neymar’s 14th goal of the season should have ensured a comfortable cushion for the hosts at the break, but Liverpool were gifted a route back into the game in first-half stoppage time.

Di Maria needlessly brought down Sadio Mane just inside the area. Polish referee Szymon Marciniak did not initially give a penalty but then changed his mind, and Milner beat Gianluigi Buffon from 12 yards.

Marquinhos thought he had restored PSG’s two-goal lead within two minutes of the second half starting, but the offside flag denied him after he turned in a free-kick.

Understandably given the high stakes, PSG sat back more and more as the game went on, although they still came closest to scoring again from a Marquinhos header, and their win was fully deserved.